City Delays Decision on Tree Trimming

The City Council voted Tuesday night to delay a decision on whether the city should create an ordinance that could force residents to remove or trim trees on private property.

Instead, they assigned the project to the Planning Commission for further study.

Councilman Wayne J. Baglin said more research of other cities’ view-obstruction and tree-trimming ordinances is needed.

“An ordinance does not make irresponsible people responsible,” Baglin told an audience of more than 100.

Some residents argued that untrimmed trees can pose a safety risk.

Others, many wearing “Save Laguna Views” stickers, said some trees should be trimmed or removed because they block ocean views.

“I moved here 30 years ago to Laguna Beach. I don’t want to live in Laguna Forest,” resident Otis Hornback told the council.

Opponent George Hunt agreed that tree trimming is necessary but argued that the issue should be worked out among neighbors. “The city shouldn’t be the bully,” he said.